Mr. Allen Ray Atkins

Allen Ray Atkins, 74, of Raleigh passed away on August 7, 2013. He is survived by his wife Norma Jean Atkins; son Kent and wife Ashlee Atkins, grandchildren Laura Davis, Lake and Anna Griffis Atkins; son Trent and significant friend Tammy Martin, grandchild Shane Atkins. Al was a loving and caring husband and father; he particularly enjoyed doting on his grandchildren. Al was an avid sports enthusiast who took great pleasure and pride in following his alma mater, Clemson University. He loved to watch his Tigers play in any athletic endeavor. He also loved the sport of golf and took many opportunities to join family and friends on the course. Al was a long-time and active member of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh.

He graduated from Brevard College in 1959 and Clemson University in 1961, with a degree in Civil Engineering. He went on to serve to his country, on active duty in SE Asia, then joining the U.S. Army Reserve, serving 28 years and retiring as a Lt. Colonel. During this time he joined the Dept of Transportation in the mid-1960’s and in the early 1970’s joined the Environmental Protection Agency, retiring in 2003. During his career with EPA, Al worked on many important engineering projects culminating in the design and construction of EPA’s first permanent research facility in Research Triangle Park encompassing more than 1 million square feet of laboratory space.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, at 12 noon at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh 27612 with the service beginning at 1pm. The burial will be Monday, August 12, at 1pm at Newdale Presbyterian Church, 71 Newdale Church Road, Burnsville, NC 28714 (located on 19 East between Burnsville and Spruce Pines).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.